Powerpoints

December 14, 2006

Not suit-able

I would like to make a comment regarding Evel Knievel suing Kanye West ("We ain't saying he's a gold digger, but ..." Dec. 13) because he feels Mr. West went too far [in his video for "Touch the Sky"]: absolutely stupid!

In the last three decades, Mr. Knievel had plenty of time to sue all those who made fun of him, impersonated him and used his [image] to their own benefit. Mr. Knievel did not make a huge fuss toward them.

Also, why would Mr. Knievel wait a year after Mr. West released the video? Mr. West did what others before him did. So what is the point that Mr. Knievel is trying is make? Does he need money, or is he trying to make a comeback at his age?

What Mr. Knievel should do is go back into retirement and stay there.

Victoria Tanriover, 37, Roseland

Deny the deniers

I usually try to avoid your rag, but forgot my book this morning for the train. I was horrified to see your coverage of Iran's Holocaust-denial conference ("Iran opens conference of Holocaust deniers," Dec. 12). Not only was I offended that you wasted ink to acknowledge that this is even happening, I was equally offended that you decided to publish a picture of a group of Jews attending the conference for whatever reason.

Nice journalism, RedEye: You're playing right into these maniacal anti-Semites' hands.

Jonathan Harris, 29, Uptown

Trained professionals

Should the CTA raise fares to bring ['L' train] conductors back? ("Aldermen call for conductors on CTA trains," Dec. 8.) First, I need to say the conductors were very helpful with problems like a door jam or just walking the cars while the trains are in motion (security).

I do not believe the consumer should pay more to bring those positions back when the conductors (now customer service) are sitting in stations with nothing to do but read a book and help customers with their fare cards.

They need to be back on the trains to do some real work.

David J. Binion, 40, West Rogers Park

Lovin' Metra

I am a Metra rider and I take the Northwest line from Chicago to Harvard. Well, when last Friday's events happened at the Citigroup Center, I had to take the Blue line CTA to Cumberland. Let's just say, coming from the Metra train to the CTA, I was very disappointed.

First, the smell was horrible. It was like a combination of urine, body odor and Cheetos. Not only that, but the seats are all stained and very uncomfortable. And is there even heat on the CTA Blue Line?

I read your article on the CTA vs. Metra ("Does Metra have a better track record?" Nov. 7 column by Kyra Kyles), and I must say the only point that CTA gets against Metra is that a train runs about every 5 minutes. On Monday when I rode Metra I felt like I was in first class.